UP salutes Nebraska 150

A trio of E-9 diesel locomotives delivered by General Motor's EMD unit in 1955 will power Union Pacific's Nebraska 150 Express.Union Pacific

Union Pacific Railroad’s “Nebraska150 Express” heritage train will tour the state August 4-6, to mark the 150th anniversary of the territory’s entry into the Union.

The train’s vintage passenger equipment and trio of EMD E-9 diesel locomotives will traverse Nebraska over three days, departing from Omaha and stopping for rallies in Columbus, North Platte, Ogallala, Sidney, Gering, Kearney and Grand Island.

To ensure the trip remains on schedule and the tour reaches as many Nebraskans as possible, public train tours and tickets are not available.

“Our connection to Nebraska dates back to President Abraham Lincoln founding Union Pacific 155 years ago, when the Cornhusker State was a bustling territory,” said Union Pacific Chief Eexecutive Lance Fritz. “Our first track was laid in Omaha, not far from where the NE150 Express will be departing. Thanks to the perseverance, ingenuity and support of communities and their citizens, both Union Pacific and Nebraska blossomed with towns developing along the transcontinental railroad route. We look forward to touring the state and visiting these communities as part of the sesquicentennial celebration."